On one hand you need five-seater practicality and four-cylinder economy, but on the other you want something that’s truly satisfying to drive. Here are our picks, and all for under $40K.
Ford MC Mondeo Zetec GTDi Powershift – From $37,740
Aussies are finally switching on to the German-engineered Mondeo’s manifold benefits – class-leading steering, handling and roadholding, stacks of space (including a massive hatch), comfy ride, and very competent turbo fourcylinder petrol/dual-clutch auto combination. Stirring family-friendly performance awaits.
STATS: 149kW/300Nm 2.0L turbo petrol, 8.0L/100km, 187g/km
Green Star Rating: 4.5 stars
Greenhouse rating: 6.5*
Air pollution rating: 6.5*
ANCAP Rating 5
Honda Accord Euro manual – From $30,340
Exceptional build quality and unrivalled value for money are only the beginning. The handsome Euro makes for a roomy, comfortable, dependable and extremely user-friendly family sedan alternative. For the price the exquisitely smooth and refined drivetrain is unbeatable.
STATS: 148kW/234Nm 2.4L petrol, 8.7L/100km, 207g/km
Green Star Rating: 4 stars
Greenhouse rating: 6*
Air pollution rating: 8.5*
ANCAP 5
Suzuki Kizashi Prestige manual – From $34,990
Unfairly ignored, the Kizashi is a cracking family sedan thanks to a beautifully balanced and involving chassis, combined with top quality and reassuring reliability. Compact on the outside, the Suzuki is more spacious – and fun to drive – than it looks.
STATS: 131kW/230Nm 2.4L petrol, 7.9L/100km, 186g/km
Green Star Rating: 4.5 stars
Greenhouse rating: 6.5*
Air pollution rating: 8.5*
ANCAP 5
Mazda6 Classic Hatch manual: From $32,750
Why buy just a Camry when Mazda offers all the dependability and space plus a sporty chassis, racy interior, and all the usual family-friendly benefits of a sizeable five-door hatch? Fantastic build quality tops an appealing driver’s car package.
STATS: 125kW/226Nm 2.5L petrol, 8.4L/100km, 204g/km
Green Star Rating: 3.5 stars
Greenhouse rating: 6*
Air pollution rating: 6.5*ANCAP 5
Skoda Octavia RS 147TSI wagon manual: From $39,490
Fancy the performance and handling of a Golf GTI but with wagon versatility and more space? Then the fiery Octavia RS wagon fits the bill like no other, offering blistering pace and exceptional cornering composure in an awesome value package.
STATS: 147kW/280Nm 2.0L petrol turbo, 7.7L/100km, 179g/km
Green Star Rating: 4 stars
Greenhouse rating: 7*
Air pollution rating: 7.5*
ANCAP 4
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Any prices mentioned in this article were accurate at the time of writing. Prices were provided by the manufacturer and exclude dealer delivery and government statutory charges. *10 = best.